Abstract： Objective To observe changes in the rat electroretinogram following rapid decompression (RD) and to explore features of initial retinal function impairment induced by decompression sickness. Methods Twenty rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: the normal control (NC) group, the sale decompression (SD) group, the 0 h and 6 h after rapid decompression ( RD0 and RD6) group. The treated animals in the safe decompression group and rapid decompression group were exposed in the hyperbaric chamber and air pressure in the chamber rose up to 1.0 MPa in 30 s and maintained at that pressure for 5.5 min. The rapid decompression group was decompressed to normal pressure in 55 s with the relief valve, while the rapid decompression group was decompressed to normal pressure with the safe decompression profile. In accordance with the International Society for Clinical Visual Electrophysiology Standard Program, scotopic electroretinography (Scot-ERG), oscillatory potentials (OPs) and light electroretinography (L-ERG) were recorded in the experimental rats, with the Guote Medical system,Ag-AgCl corneal contact electrode and silver needle electrodes. Results The amplitudes of ERG a and b waves and oscillatory potential O2 wave decreased and latency delayed significantly in rats following rapid decompression. The amplitudes of scot-ERG b wave ( 134. 5 ±27. 9) μV, and OPs O2 wave (27.1 ±9. 2) μV increased 6 hours after rapid decompression, when a comparison was made with those of the RD0 group. The amplitudes of b wave ( 134. 5 ±27.9) μV and O2 wave (27.1 ±9.2) μV in the RD6 group was higher than those of b wave (56. 5 ±21.1 ) μV and O2 wave (8. 1 ±1.9) μV in the RD0 group ( P ＜ 0. 05 ). And the amplitudes of Scot-ERG b wave ( 266.5 ± 25.2) μV and OPs O2 wave (44. 1 ± 5.6) μV in the SD group were higher than those in the RD0 and RD6 groups (P ＜0. 05). Conclusions Rapid decompression could induce retinal electrophysiological dysfunction and safe decompression might be helpful to relieve functional injuries in rats.